![Henry Winkler already has an Emmy for Barry, now he's nominated for a Golden Globe, [Image source: Television Academy- YouTube]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/12/6/660x290/b_502x220x82/henry-winkler-already-has-an-emmy-for-barry-now-hes-nominated-for-a-golden-globe-image-source-television-academy-youtube_2159253.jpg "Henry Winkler already has an Emmy for Barry, now he's nominated for a Golden Globe, [Image source: Television Academy- YouTube]")
The annual announcement of the Golden Globe nominees from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association heralds the start of award season, culminating the first quarter of the New Year with the Academy Awards. Social media and press outlets generally contend that the Golden Globes are the precursors to the Oscar contest. Some years, that is truer than for others, but what is true of the nominees announced December 6 for the 2019 Golden Globe awards is that the notables encompass some of the most familiar names in television and film, and some of the stars have been at work for decades.
Unlike many awards, the Golden Globes give distinction between television and motion pictures, and between dramas and comedies, allowing further recognition in each genre and source. Many names on the 2019 list are already-rising young stars, and others have been staples in entertainment for decades. This group of nominees has something to please everyone.
Limited series stars have big appeal
The assembly of stars who announced the nominees was an example of this year's fan-favorite feel. Terry Crews, Danai Gurira, Leslie Mann, and Christian Slater were on hand to break this morning's news from the traditional venue of the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
The nominees for best actress in a limited series read like a roster of acclaimed past winners, with Amy Adams (“Sharp Objects”), Laura Dern ("The Tale”), Regina King (“Seven Seconds”) , and Patricia Arquette (“Escape from Dannemora”) in the group, along with Connie Britton, the “Nashville” and “9-1-1” star , who is also a favorite from “American Horror Story.” The ads for her new series on Bravo, “Dirty John,” are still in the launch phase, but already, the actress loved since “Friday Night Lights” is getting golden notice.
In the limited series category for actors, familiar names also reign, including timeless favorites. Alan Arkin (“The Kominsky Method”), Kieran Culkin (“Succession”), Ben Wishaw (“A Very English Scandal”) and Edgar Ramirez (“The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”). All these performances are worthy contenders by well-known and gifted talents.
None has the distinction, however, of Henry Winkler, who reigned over TV ratings at age 27 on “Happy Days” as “The Fonz.” Now, at age 72, he is in contention for the HBO dark comedy, “Barry,” created by SNL regular, Bill Hader, and Alex Berg. The Shakespearean-schooled Winkler joked this morning that “they just flipped the numbers,” but in reality, it just may be that television is realizing that age only enhances a fine performer.
More wonderful old-timers got golden vindication, too. Candice Bergen returns to her old form, getting the nomination for “Murphy Brown,” despite news that the reboot is set to wrap after 13 episodes. Her nomination may mean a reconsideration on that decision. Debra Messing, another much-loved veteran, is up for “Will & Grace.”
More remembered names
Jim Carrey made a critical and popular come back with his behind-the-camera series, “Kidding,” chronicling the life of a children's comedian coping with life. Michael Douglas also broke out in television again with “The Kominsky Method,” about the group of senior men not ready to quit.
Spike Lee and John David Washington, son of Denzel, got deserved nods for “BlacKKKlansman,” based on the true story of the hate group’s infiltration by a daring police officer.
It's nice to see the director getting his due, and an acting legacy spread to another generation. Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali both got noticed for the uplifting “Green Book,” as did the film.
Likely in homage to his lifetime of filmmaking over his last film, Robert Redford has a nomination for “The Old Man & the Gun.”
Melissa McCarthy must feel vindicated. The TV star turned comedy movie hero takes her own nomination (and more for her film) with “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”
Bradley Cooper joins the celebrated directors club with his first outing on “A Star Is Born,” and Lady Gaga steps up with her first nomination as Best Actress in a Drama. The new take on the classic is also nominated for Best Picture, drama.
Although not every market has every network supporting the nominated series, subscription television makes it possible for every fan to see shows of interest, in one way or another.
Whether comedy or musical or drama, the best film nominees, such as “Black Panther,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” “A Star Is Born,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and “Mary Poppins Returns” could have been ripped straight out of today's newspaper. No longer are the Golden Globes reserved for only the international conclave of film critics. The voice of the people, and what they will spend from their pocketbooks to see, is coming through loud and clear.
The Golden Globes awards broadcast will air January 6 on NBC, hosted by Sandra Oh and Andy Samberg.
